VMO & Leadership
Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 that provides human and social services, as well as educational and vocational support, to the Burmese and newcomer communities in greater Indianapolis. BACI supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through strategic partnerships and advocacy. Since its inception, BACI has assisted more than 35,000 individuals.
Founded on the strong conviction of its leaders that investing in people and education is essential, the organization was born from years of consultation and thoughtful deliberation with community leaders and stakeholders. These collective efforts shaped BACI’s vision and mission:
Vision: Education for All, a Stronger Community
Mission: To build a thriving, self-sufficient, sustainable, and integrated community through advocacy, education, and employment.
Our Core Value:
As an ethnically and linguistically diverse organization, BACI emphasizes inclusiveness and openness across different ethnic groups in its organizational development and provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the communities it serves.
Our Approach: Everything we do is educational and focused on the long-term development and well-being of our community.
Since its inception, BACI has assisted more than 35,000 individuals through a wide range of programs, including programs for middle and high school students that support college preparation and career readiness; year-round after-school programming and summer-intensive, policy solution-oriented PAR research and leadership development programs; Civic and Cultural Education programs that empower new Americans with knowledge of their rights and liberties; and Employment and Microenterprise Development programs that help newcomers and community members achieve economic self-sufficiency, give back to their communities, and contribute to local economic growth.
Responding to the call, we also provided COVID-19 response services. Since 2021, we have provided refugee resettlement services to new arrivals from countries around the world, helping them secure stable housing and achieve economic self-sufficiency while supporting community members with their basic needs and access to essential health services that promote their overall well-being.
Special projects implemented in collaboration with various partners included, but were not limited to, PhotoVoice, Health Fairs, Mental Health First Aid Training, Financial Literacy Classes, Nutrition Classes, Career Pathways training, and many more.
BACI Leadership:
Elaisa Vahnie, MPA, President & CEO
Elaisa Vahnie is the President and CEO of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI). He brings more than two decades of experience and active engagement in Myanmar affairs, refugee services, international relations, and community development. A dedicated community and foreign policy advocate, Mr. Vahnie has devoted his career to improving lives and advancing freedom, education, peace, and democracy.
Mr. Vahnie has received numerous awards and honors for his leadership and service, including being named one of Indiana’s 50 Global Leaders of the past 50 years by the International Center in recognition of his leadership and contributions to elevating the State of Indiana on the global stage. Most recently, he received the 2025 Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award for his commitment to service and community.
A recipient of a U.S. Department of State-funded scholarship, Mr. Vahnie earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from Indiana University Bloomington, where he dual-specialized in Comparative International Affairs and Policy Analysis. He also completed executive education in public and nonprofit leadership at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Stanford University.
Lian Sang, MPH, Director of Service and Operation
Board of Directors
As an ethnically diverse organization, BACI’s Board of Directors reflects its founding philosophy, values, and commitment to ensuring that its leadership is inclusive of the many groups within the newcomer community from Myanmar (Burma), as well as the broader mainstream community. The Board brings together individuals with diverse intellectual, professional, and personal backgrounds who are passionate about supporting newcomers in their long-term integration and sustainable development by investing in people and education, empowering them to become productive, engaged, and contributing members of society.
Dr. Ro Dinga (Chairman), Research Technician, School of Dentistry, IU Indianapolis
San Hlei Thang (Vice-Chairman), State Eligibility Manager, Division of Family Resources, Family and Social Services Administration
Elly Kreutzer (Secretary), Branch Manager, VP, PNC Bank
Rev. Dr. Zozum Kuihon (Treasurer), Senior Pastor, Professional Interpreter
Dr. Bruce Ray, Retired Scientist at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Dr. Ei Ei Hlaing, Assistant Professor at DePauw University
Board of Advisors
Members of the Board of Advisors, or simply Advisors, are individuals whom the CEO or Board members may approach for advice and counsel in specific areas of expertise and knowledge when needed. Advisors are not required to attend Board meetings or BACI events, nor are they expected to provide advice on a regular basis. Their role is to offer guidance, insight, and expertise when their knowledge and experience can add value to and support BACI’s work and mission.
Advisors primarily include individuals whom we consulted during the organization’s formation, former Board members, and others who possess the qualifications, knowledge, and experience that can benefit and strengthen the organization.